Therapy device, toy and method

ABSTRACT

The invention includes a block and a cord threaded through a bore formed within the block. The bore bears a crooked configuration such that when the cord is in a slack position, the block is displaceable along the cord. However, when the cord is taut it frictionally engages the block within the bore and restricts displacement of the block along the cord.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an inventive device, as well as an inventive method.

The Inventive Device

The inventive device will include a block and a cord threaded through a bore formed within the block. The diameter of the cord is the width of the bore, thereby enabling the block to slide along the cord.

The bore bears a crooked configuration such that when the cord is in a slack position, the block is displaceable along the cord. However, when the cord is pulled taut, the cord frictionally engages the block within the bore, thereby restricting displacement of the block along the cord.

The block may form any type of known shape, such as a rectangular solid, a triangular solid, a pyramid, tetrahedral shape, or even a sphere. Optionally, the block may include parts that are selectively fastenable together. Moreover the parts of the block may optionally include weighted elements that enable a user to selectively change the weight of the block. Alternatively, the device may include a plurality of blocks bearing differing weights, thereby enabling a user to choose a desired block.

In preferred embodiments of the device, handles are positioned at opposing ends of the cord. In order to facilitate removal of the block from the cord, at least one handle should be removable from the cord.

In a preferred embodiment of the device, the bore comprising a pair of generally linear tunnels that form an angle, such as an angle is in the range of 175-178 degrees.

The Inventive Method

The invention also includes a method of using the inventive device described above. The method will include the step of providing a block and forming a bore passing through the block. Also, the method will include the step of threading a cord through the bore formed within the block, and selecting the cord so that its diameter is smaller than the bore's width, which enables the block to displace (slide) along the cord.

The method will also include the steps of configuring the bore to have a crooked configuration, and positioning the block adjacent a first end of the cord, then elevating the first end of the cord with respect to its second end, thereby urging the block to displace downwardly along the cord toward the second end. Further, the method will include pulling the cord taut, thereby causing the block to engage the cord within the bore, restricting displacement of the block along the cord.

Optionally, the block may comprise any shape, such as a tetrahedral, any polyhedral, a rectangular solid (including a cube), a triangular solid, a pyramid; or even a sphere. In a preferred embodiment, the block may be formed of parts are selectively fastenable together.

The above method may be used as an amusement (i.e., a plaything), or the method may be well-suited for incorporation into any rehabilitation or therapeutic routine. As such, the method may include the step of forming the block to include weighted elements that enable a user to select the weight of the block, and thereby vary the resistance encountered by a patient or other user of the method and/or device.

Optionally, a pair of generally linear tunnels angled with respect to one another form the bore. Preferably, the tunnels form an angle in the range of 175-178 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment, the method will include the steps of slackening the cord until the block displaces to a position adjacent the second end of the cord. Additionally, the method may also include the step of elevating the second end of the cord relative the first end of the cord, thereby urging the block to displace downwardly along the cord towards its first end.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded and perspective view of the inventive device, according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inventive device, shown with the cord in a general slack condition.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inventive device, shown with the cord taut.

FIG. 4 is an isolated view of a cross-section of the block, as viewed from plane IV-IV depicted on FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an isolated view of a cross-section of the block, as viewed from plane V-V depicted in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded and perspective view of the inventive device 10, according to the principles of the invention. The device 10 includes a cord 12 having a handle 14 positioned adjacent a first end of the cord 12, and another handle 17 positioned adjacent a second end of the cord 12. A respective stop 13 is positioned on the cord 12 adjacent opposing ends of the cord near the respective handles 14, 17. The device 10 also includes a block 16 having a bore 18 passing therethrough.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the bore 18 includes a pair of tunnels 20, 22 that are generally linear in configuration, and form an angle θ with respect to one another. Preferably, the angle θ is nearly (but not quite) a straight angle, such as in the range of 170-178 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 1, the block 16 may include a pair of parts 16A and 16B that can be snapped together to form a block. In that regard, the parts 16A and 16B may include male and female connectors, such as cleats 24 formed to engage within holes 26, as shown. Of course, any other means of fastening may be used. Alternatively, the block 16 may comprise a unitary, monolithic one-piece structure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the device 10 wherein its cord 12 is allowed to be slack. As the first handle 14 (and consequently the first end of the cord 12) is elevated with respect to the second handle 17 (i.e., the second end of the cord), the weight W of the block 16 will urge downward displacement along the cord 12.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the device 10 wherein its cord 12 is pulled taut by applying a tensile force T to the handles 14, 17. As tensile force T is applied, the cord 12 becomes taut and movement of the block 16 along the cord 12 is restricted because the cord 12 frictionally engages the walls of the bore 18, as discussed hereinafter. As the block 16 displaces downwardly along the cord 12 toward the handle 17, the block 12 will engage the stop 13 to prevent the block from engaging the fingers of the operator of the device 10. The stop 13 is shown to be a piece of tubing enveloping the end of the cord 12. However, any known stop would suffice, including a handle that prevents the block 16 from contacting the operator, or a knot or a bead positioned on the cord.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the block, taken at plane IV-IV that is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the slack cord 12 passes freely through each of the linear tunnels 20, 22 of the bore 18. As shown the tunnels 20, 22 form an angle θ that is gentle (i.e., 170-178 degrees), thereby allowing the slack cord 12 to pass through freely when the cord 12 is slack.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the block, taken at plane V-V that is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the taut cord 12 engages the linear tunnels 20, 22 of the bore 18, and also engages adjacent the vertex of angle θ. This engagement creates a friction that limits or restricts displacement of the block 16 along the cord. As such, the user of the device (or method) may selectively allow the block 16 to either displace along the cord 12 on the one hand (by allowing cord 12 to become slack), or stop on the cord 12 on the other hand (by pulling the cord 12 taut).

The device and method disclosed herein provides gentle resistance and also incorporates a therapeutic use of muscular coordination wherein the user repeatedly and alternately pulls the cord 12 taut, then allows it to slacken.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by claims that will precisely define the metes and bounds of the invention. 

1. A device including: a block; a cord threaded through a bore formed within the block, the cord having a diameter smaller than the bore, thereby enabling the block to slide along the cord; and wherein, the bore bears a crooked configuration such that when the cord is in a slack position, the block is displaceable along the cord; and, when the cord is pulled to a taut position, the cord frictionally engages the block within the bore, thereby restricting displacement of the block along the cord.
 2. The device as in claim 1, the block comprising at least one of: a rectangular solid; a triangular solid; a pyramid; or, a sphere.
 3. The device as in claim 1, wherein the block includes parts that are selectively fastenable together.
 4. The device as in claim 3, wherein the parts of the block include weighted elements that enable a user to selectively change the weight of the block.
 5. The device as in claim 1, further comprising handles positioned at opposing ends of the cord.
 6. The device as in claim 5, wherein at least one handle is removable from the cord, thereby enabling the cord to be removed from the block.
 7. The device as in claim 5, further comprising at least one stop positioned on the cord adjacent at least one of the opposing ends of the cord.
 8. The device as in claim 1, further comprising at least one mark positioned at selected positions on the cord.
 9. The device as in claim 1, the bore comprising a pair of generally linear tunnels that form an angle.
 10. The device as in claim 9, wherein the angle is in the range of 175-178 degrees.
 11. A method, comprising the steps of: providing a block; forming a bore passing through the block; threading a cord through the bore formed within the block, the cord having a diameter smaller than the bore, thereby enabling the block to slide along the cord; configuring the bore to have a crooked configuration; positioning the block adjacent a first end of the cord; elevating the first end of the cord with respect to its second end, thereby urging the block to displace downwardly along the cord toward the second end; pulling the cord taut, thereby causing the block to engage the cord within the bore, restricting displacement of the block along the cord.
 12. The method as in claim 11, the block comprising at least one of: a rectangular solid; a triangular solid; a pyramid; or, a sphere.
 13. The method as in claim 11, wherein the block includes parts that are selectively fastenable together.
 14. The method as in claim 13, further comprising the steps of forming the block to include weighted elements that enable a user to select the weight of the block.
 15. The method as in claim 11, further comprising handles positioned at opposing ends of the cord.
 16. The method as in claim 15, wherein at least one handle is removable from the cord, thereby enabling the cord to be removed from the block.
 17. The method as in claim 1, wherein the step of forming the bore includes the steps of making a pair of generally linear tunnels that form an angle.
 18. The method as in claim 7, wherein the angle is in the range of 175-178 degrees.
 19. The method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of slackening the cord until the block displaces to a position adjacent the second end of the cord.
 20. The method as in claim 19, further comprising the step of elevating the second end of the cord relative the first end of the cord, thereby urging the block to displace downwardly along the cord towards its first end. 